When June Nuchjaree Persons moved to Lowell from Thailand in 2018 after marrying her husband, she wanted to pursue a teaching career in Massachusetts.
Balancing my personal responsibilities as a wife, mother, and volunteer at my local church was a daunting task. But through her Massachusetts Early Education and Care (or EEC) Career Pathways Grant at Middlesex Community College, Persons has the resources and flexibility to accelerate her career in education through her free academic courses and services. I have.
“Middlesex gave me the opportunity to study for free, so I feel happy,” said Parsons, 45.
Middlesex Community College, along with 14 other schools in the state, has received EEC Career Pathway Grant funding from the state’s Department of Early Education and Care since 2019, said Nancy Pynchon, Middlesex grants director. said. According to the Middlesex University website, grants are available for eligible Middlesex University students to pursue associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and certificates in early childhood education. More than 400 students qualified last year, Pynchon said.
By offering classes online, Parsons said Middlesex gave her the flexibility to study on a schedule that accommodated her personal commitments. We provide resources free of charge to non-students. Parsons often has to translate her textbooks and lecture materials from English to Thai, but she has been able to improve her English skills while still being able to perform well in her classes, she said. Told.
“it’s not “It’s easier for me because we don’t learn English as a second language in my country,” Parsons said. .”
According to the Massachusetts Department of Education website, Pynchon said at a time when the Massachusetts childcare sector is facing a severe labor shortage, the grant will provide students with financial incentives and academic opportunities to work in childcare programs. The grant covers the cost of college tuition, course materials, fees and tutoring services, Pynchon said.
“The subsidy [students] There is room for promotion and room for professional growth,” Pynchon said. “And hopefully, their salaries will increase somewhat.”
That’s exactly what happened to Parsons in her job looking after nine toddlers at Christ Church United’s day care center in Lowell.After applying her previous knowledge as a teacher in Thailand and taking classes in Child Growth Development and Infant Care in Middlesex, Parsons learned how to better care for the needs of young children. As a result, Parsons said her workplace boss was ‘raised’ [her] rate. “
“My own experiences with young children, past and present, are professionally gathered for me,” Persson said.
Parsons said the grant will allow him to complete four classes at Middlesex University for free by the end of the year. She will be certified as a principal teacher in Massachusetts as a result of her one year of study.
“The future is stable for me,” Parsons said.
Katie Mogg can be reached at katie.mogg@globe.com.follow her on her twitter @j0urnalistkatie
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